Towns Fund project spotlight
Minutes:
The Board received a detailed presentation from Chris Scott from Muse regarding the Station Gateway Masterplan and outlining the development framework.
Chris advised the Board that Muse, part of the Morgan Sindall Group, specialised in placemaking and urban regeneration. They had 40 years of experience and were currently working on multiple projects across the UK, many in partnerships with Local Authorities. Chris informed the Board that Muse’s approach was community-focussed, ensuring that developments met local needs and created lasting positive impacts.
The Board were informed that Muse worked closely with the English Cities Fund, which was a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse. This joint venture supported large-scale urban regeneration with an equity fund of over £200 million and was chaired by Sir Michael Lyons.
The Board heard that Muse was collaborating with Stevenage Borough Council to design the Station Gateway masterplan project, bringing lessons from other successful regeneration projects, such as Salford Central and Stockport Exchange showcasing their approach to transforming industrial and underutilised areas into vibrant, sustainable public spaces with mixed-use developments, public transport improvements, and green initiatives, such as the largest living wall in Europe. Chris advised that Muse were involved in 38 projects, with 16 currently on site, including over 2,400 homes, nearly 40% of which were affordable.
The Stevenage Station Gateway project aimed to create a new arrival experience, aligning it with the intended SG1 Boulevard. The aspiration is for an enhanced station area experience which would feature entrances on both the east and west sides of the railway tracks, enhancing connectivity between the town centre, the leisure park, and beyond.
The Board heard that Muse emphasised long-term social impact, driven by community engagement, to ensure developments met local needs. Priorities included affordable housing for key workers, cultural and leisure improvements, and economic growth, aligning with Stevenage's transformation goals.
The redevelopment sought to foster a sustainable, inclusive town centre, enhancing public spaces and supporting the town's status as a growing economic hub. Focus areas included quality design, and improving the east-west pedestrian flow across the railway.
Chris concluded with a project timeline, indicating the goal to complete the initial master-planning work in the months ahead. The design finalisation process could take approximately 12 to 18 months, incorporating stakeholder engagement and consultation.
Board Members praised the presentation from Muse and expressed support for the project. They were particularly pleased to hear the commitment to social value and expressed enthusiasm for the approach to community needs.
Councillor Henry, Leader, Stevenage Borough Council emphasised the importance of developing cultural and leisure facilities in Stevenage, confirming the Council’s commitment that should a new theatre come forward, it would be built prior to the repurposing of the existing one.
Board Members highlighted the importance of the leisure park to the Town and inquired about maintaining pedestrian routes amidst the existing car parking. In response, Chris acknowledged the significance of integrating pedestrian and cycling routes through it and mentioned collaboration with the owners of the leisure park.
In response to a comment regarding existing art installations, Chris affirmed the need to modernise art installations while honouring historical contributions. The Leader, Stevenage Borough Council added that Cllr Lorraine Rossati, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, was actively working with the Council’s regeneration team to integrate culture and art into the development plans.
The Chair concluded the discussion by thanking Chris for the presentation and expressed eagerness to work collaboratively to ensure the development benefits local residents and businesses in Stevenage. He welcomed ongoing updates at future meetings.